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Trivantage hosted the company’s second annual Makers Meet event on May 8, in collaboration with the Window Coverings Association of America. The one-day event was held at the Sunbrella® manufacturing plant in Anderson, S.C., and offered presentations, behind-the-scenes tours and networking opportunities.
Attendees toured the plant’s 1-million-square-foot campus, observing the manufacturing process from fiber production and weaving to finishing, R&D and performance testing. Tracie Bresnahan, founder of Custom Creations, and Beverly Baribault, principal designer at Beverly Baribault Design Group, presented “Fabric Applications and Experiences: When to Choose What and Why,” providing an overview of Sunbrella fabric applications. Ceci Flores, retail training specialist, presented “Why Sunbrella,” offering further information about Sunbrella products.
“New Fabric Collections: Drapery and Upholstery Applications,” presented by Amy Gillam, furnishings design director at Sunbrella, explored the differences between drapery and upholstery fabrics. The hands-on session allowed attendees to take a closer look at what’s new in fabrics for interiors and workrooms, including Sunbrella’s Sheer collection of neutral-toned indoor-outdoor curtains.
Jill Brown, owner of home décor business Slipcovey in Royal Oak, Mich., attended the first Makers Meet event last year and returned this year.
“We work alone—most of us—so it was nice to be able to talk to people. Not even comparing notes but just talking to people about what they’re doing,” said Brown. “I don’t think people realize what they’re missing; it’s like a best-kept secret.”
“Trivantage seeks to strengthen our industry by providing education and growth opportunities,” says Katelyn Bell, furnishings marketing manager at Trivantage. “Through hosting similar events in the shade and marine markets, we’ve seen how impactful it is for makers to have a space where they can collaborate, learn from each other and network. The Makers Meet creates an environment for workrooms and upholstery shops to do just that.”